Ultimate Turtle Cookie Bars

Love chocolate and caramel? Indulge in decadent bars made easily with a cookie mix.

pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ chocolate chip cookie mix

1/2

cup butter or margarine, softened

egg

1/2

cup coarsely chopped pecans

caramels, unwrapped

tablespoon milk

3/4

cup pecan halves

tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips

teaspoon shortening

1

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, stir together cookie mix, butter, egg and 1/2 cup chopped pecans until soft dough forms. Press evenly in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until golden brown.
2

Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat caramels and milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3

Carefully spread melted caramels evenly over warm bars; sprinkle with pecan halves. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour.
4

In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over bars. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

Source: Betty